Surviving arid outings

This compact guide from longtime desert rat Bruce Grubbs gives woodland and alpine enthusiasts a taste of the unique challenges of hiking, biking and camping in desert environments. The spotlight is on preparation, survival and navigation skills needed for hikes and treks in arid landscapes.

Grubbs offers a host of tips on everything from cactuses to creepy-crawlies. We learn that the burrs shed by a teddy bear cholla can cause more harm than the living plant itself. When you hear a rattlesnake rattle, stop and locate the reptile before proceeding. Be most wary of spiders when near human dwellings. And watch for the scorpion that hangs upside down.

There’s a chapter devoted to the most critical consideration of desert roaming: ways to carry and safeguard water supplies.

More experienced desert travelers can also pick up pointers on emergency water-finding techniques, the perfect camping spot or how to troubleshoot worst-case scenarios.

— Emmett Berg